The Dallas Mavericks are experiencing a tumultuous period. Following his trade to the Los Angeles Lakers, Luka Dončić is unlikely to return, especially considering the team’s management, including team governor Patrick Dumont and general manager Nico Harrison, have spent the past week post-trade criticizing his performance, condition, and professionalism. This disconnect from the franchise’s fanbase is evident, as they seem unaware of Dončić’s substantial cultural and civic importance to Dallas.

The decision to trade Dončić to the Lakers has been labeled as one of the most unexpected in NBA history. Prior to this move, Harrison was relatively unknown in basketball circles, but his popularity has drastically plummeted among Mavericks supporters.

Even teams grappling with dysfunction understand the value of keeping a 25-year-old superstar who recently led the team to the finals and connects with fans in various languages. Only two years ago, Harrison made the decision to let go of Kristaps Porziņģis for minimal compensation and, more disastrously, lost Jalen Brunson without any return. Initially seen as an improvement over former general manager Donnie Nelson, who faced criticism for not building effectively around Dončić, Harrison’s recent blunders have left Mavs fans disheartened. While fans were sympathetic initially, the mood has shifted dramatically now that Harrison has publicly taken responsibility for sending Dončić to L.A. His trade destroyed the Mavericks’ culture, strained the bond with their supporters, and dashed hopes for a return to the finals. More importantly, it marked the end of the Dončić era in Dallas. The franchise had successfully transitioned from Hall of Famer Dirk Nowitzki to Dončić, but that connection has now been severed.

That said, it would be naïve to claim everything was flawless while Dončić donned a Mavericks jersey. Cuban had his share of problems during his tenure, often becoming overly involved and placing trust in the wrong individuals (such as Haralabos Voulgaris, Chandler Parsons, and Jason Lutin). Cuban deserves blame for the current turmoil; he was responsible for hiring Harrison in 2021 and opted to sell a significant stake in the team to Miriam Adelson, the fifth-richest woman in the U.S., for $3.5 billion in 2023. Adelson, known for her contentious political stances, has contributed to fan discontent following the Dončić trade, especially with rumors suggesting intentions to relocate the team to Las Vegas.

It’s important to note that Cuban would likely never have traded Dončić, famously stating, “If I had to choose between my wife and keeping Luka on the Mavs, catch me at my lawyer’s office prepping for a divorce.”

Despite his flaws, Cuban recognized the importance of the team, Nowitzki, and Dončić to Dallas. As a passionate fan, he embraced the #MFFL spirit etched into the Dirk Nowitzki statue outside the arena.

In stark contrast, the current leadership, including Adelson, Dumont, and Harrison, ignited controversy with the decision to trade Dončić. Their efforts to manage public relations have fallen flat, and each press conference or interview only seems to aggravate fans further. The backlash has manifested in chants, social media posts, video montages, and even protests outside the American Airlines Center.

For what it’s worth, the Mavericks’ management successfully captured some attention in a city dominated by NFL’s Dallas Cowboys, but not for the right reasons.

And while Dallas is primarily a football town, Dončić’s dazzling performances had begun to shift the sports narrative. Fans were willing to overlook the loss of Brunson, especially after witnessing his rise in New York. As long as Dončić remained, there was hope for competitive play. However, his departure, coupled with Harrison’s narrow focus in negotiations, resulted in a lackluster return. All they received were a first-round draft pick, Max Christie—an intriguing but not comparably talented prospect—and Anthony Davis. Davis, despite being a future Hall of Famer, is 31 and has a history of injuries. Although he had a strong debut for the Mavs with 26 points and 16 rebounds, he soon sidelined himself with an injury, raising questions about the rationale behind trading Dončić over concerns for his fitness.

The trade has cast a shadow on the present, and its consequences will linger on for Mavericks fans. Harrison surrendered control of crucial draft assets between 2027 and 2030 for players intended to complement Dončić. A true challenge will arise in 2027, as veterans like Davis, Kyrie Irving, and Klay Thompson will all be nearing the end of their careers, leaving the franchise vulnerable without a strong draft replenishment strategy. The organization’s attempt to manage criticism has only deepened the divisions among fans. During a recent game, for the first time since the trade, the Mavericks decided to show fans on the jumbotron, fearing their reactions. One fan was seen mouthing, “Fire Nico,” and was subsequently removed from the arena, further highlighting the despondency among the fanbase. Other attendees were ejected for vocalizing similar sentiments, and Cuban was caught on camera telling them to “sit down.” This incident has circulated widely, symbolizing the franchise’s current oppressive atmosphere, where dissenting fans are not tolerated. Upon returning to his seat, Dumont was met with jeers, and Harrison, who usually sits courtside, faced boos from a local audience while attending a college basketball game.

When Harrison stepped into his role, he inherited talent in Dončić, Brunson, and Porziņģis, all of whom have since departed. His mismanagement allowed these stars to leave for minimal returns. Nelson’s impressive 2018 draft—acquiring both Dončić (via trade with Atlanta) and Brunson (33rd pick overall)—now stands as a regrettable narrative of squandered potential under Harrison’s leadership. The American Airlines Center, once a hub of joy for Mavericks supporters, has turned into a grim setting where critical fans face expulsion, and any form of dissent, such as signs or shirts expressing dissatisfaction, are unwelcome. With Dončić gone, the one beacon of hope for Mavs fans has vanished.

The anger among Dallas supporters will persist until the franchise acknowledges their discontent, a move that seems highly unlikely given the ownership’s history of ignoring concerns related to funding controversial political figures and actions. Without considering the opinions and feelings of Mavericks fans, it raises the question: why should they care about the supporters’ frustrations?